Railing question

[Scouter]

Continuing on with the porch railing I have to put on. I was walking downtown and looking at some buildings there when an idea hit, but I don't know if it would meet building code or if there are issues I may not be thinking about.

Instead of balusters can I use plexiglass? Would give a nice, clean look to the railing, and would allow a less obstructed view. Spacing between the posts is < 6', and height of the plexiglass would be about 2' 0" to 2' 4" (not sure about height yet).

[farmerj111]

I don't know about the legality of it code wise, but I would be worried about it developing a haze or film after a summer or two.  Even if it didn't, keeping it clean might turn into a real pain.

[fixtureman]

Continuing on with the porch railing I have to put on. I was walking downtown and looking at some buildings there when an idea hit, but I don't know if it would meet building code or if there are issues I may not be thinking about.

Instead of balusters can I use plexiglass? Would give a nice, clean look to the railing, and would allow a less obstructed view. Spacing between the posts is < 6', and height of the plexiglass would be about 2' 0" to 2' 4" (not sure about height yet).

Fiberon decking had a clear rail system

[Scouter]

Fiberon decking had a clear rail system

Any idea what they used for the clear section - plexiglass, glass?

[jteneyck]

Any idea what they used for the clear section - plexiglass, glass?

Tempered glass can be used instead of balusters on balustrades.  The price likely will curl your eyelids though.  I'm not sure what the codes are with respect to exterior stairways, but with interior ones the top of the handrail must fall at 34 - 38" above the nose of the tread.   Also, the wind load on a big sheet of glass on an exterior stairway is going to require very heavy duty newel posts and anchoring.  

John

[Scouter]

Tempered glass can be used instead of balusters on balustrades.  The price likely will curl your eyelids though.  I'm not sure what the codes are with respect to exterior stairways, but with interior ones the top of the handrail must fall at 34 - 38" above the nose of the tread.   Also, the wind load on a big sheet of glass on an exterior stairway is going to require very heavy duty newel posts and anchoring.  

John

Apropos timing, we just had a windstorm come through. Back to the drawing board.

[Scouter]

Tempered glass can be used instead of balusters on balustrades.  The price likely will curl your eyelids though.  I'm not sure what the codes are with respect to exterior stairways, but with interior ones the top of the handrail must fall at 34 - 38" above the nose of the tread.   Also, the wind load on a big sheet of glass on an exterior stairway is going to require very heavy duty newel posts and anchoring.  

John

Wonder if this would solve the problem.

[Stwood_]

I've seen tempered glass panels on decks down at the lake. 3' long then a space etc etc

Ck your codes

[fixtureman]

I think it was polycarbonate or Lexan

[jamesglenn]

Tempered glazing may be used.

The building code has a section on it and all the requirements. Stairs need a handrail and if above 30", need a guard rail up to 42".
The guard rail must withstand certain forces.